Dr. Mara Pierce, 46

Assistant Professor of Art Education Dr. Mara Pierce has only been with Montana State
University Billings since 2015, but she is already becoming a campus leader.

Pierce was recently awarded the National Ziegfeld Service Award from the United States
Society for Education through Art (USSEA) and will be a special presenter at the upcoming
global-level conference in Daegu, South Korea.

The Edwin Ziegfeld Award annually honors one American and one international art educator
who have made an outstanding and internationally recognized contribution to art education
through exceptional records of achievement in scholarly writing, research, professional
service, or community service.

Pierce’s award came in part through her role as editor-in-chief of the USSEA’s biannual
newsletter, “Voices.”

“The publication really needed updating and I’ve worked to give it vibrancy in an
effort to increase membership,” Pierce said.

Previously a commercial graphic artist, Pierce said her role with the newsletter was
a perfect fit in becoming more involved in her career as an art educator.

“There is more outreach and more articles in the newsletter now,” the 46-year-old
said. “Even students are getting involved in producing content.”

Pierce came to MSU Billings after earning a doctorate of philosophy from the University
of Arizona. She holds a Master’s in Art Education from the University of New Mexico
and a bachelor of fine arts from the University of North Carolina Charlotte.

Just as with “Voices,” Pierce said she strives to have her students consider multicultural
points of view with their art.

“In addition to bringing local perspectives into their work it’s important to have
a sense of what is going on in the world,” she said.

Additionally, Pierce attempts to keep communication as a centerpiece.

“No one works in a vacuum. Our pedagogy is continuously transforming and we can learn
so much from others,” she said.